Ribbed binding (usually has 50 to 70% stretch) or other stretchy knit for neckline (you don’t want to use anything with less than 30% stretch-see notes under pattern tips and tricks)

Ball point/jersey needle

spray starch/iron

basic sewing supplies

Pattern info:

Enter your name and email to download the pattern. Save it to your PC, open the pdf document in adobe reader. DO NOT print from google’s online version of adobe. (It will sometimes cause the pattern to print too small.)

Make sure to choose ACTUAL SIZE when printing. Cut out around the grey boxes, lining up the colored dots and tape together.

Seam allowance is 3/8 inch with a 1/2 inch bottom and sleeve hem.

Since this dress is made from knit fabric, I did not include instructions for finishing seams. This is an optional step.

Binding tips:

The pattern for the neck binding is designed for a ribbed knit with 50 to 75% stretch with good recovery (Fabric Fairy has a lot of good quality ribbed knit choices.)

If using a binding fabric with less stretch, you have two choices: 1st choice: Measure the neckline and cut a fabric strip 15% less than the measurement (multiply the neck measurement by .85) and follow the instructions in step 4. (This is the “in the round” method– and it never hurts to do the finger stretch test before sewing…) 2nd choice: The “flat” method– Sew only one shoulder closed, fold binding in half and attach the binding from one end of the neckline to the other. Trim excess binding and sew the other shoulder closed. (The only downside to this method is the seam will be on the side and slightly bulkier.) (Similar to what is done in this tutorial.)

Tips for sewing with knits:

Use a ballpoint/stretch needle

Sew seams with either a serger, stretch stitch, narrow zig zag or a straight stitch with a longer stitch length and a slightly loosened tension. (Make a couple of practice stitches on your fabric to see what works best.) I also like to use this “lightning bolt” stretch stitch on seams that need strength but a little give. (For my project I used a combination of straight stitch and serger for seams and zig zag on the hems.)

Use spray starch when pressing hems. Sew hems with a zig zag, twin ball point needle, narrow zig zag with a long stitch length or a straight stitch with a long stitch length and a slightly loosened tension or leave raw. (also helps to use a walking foot.)

If you find your fabric keeps getting pulled inside the needle plate, place a small piece of tissue underneath the fabric so the feed dogs have something to grip.

Wonder clips (I didn’t use these in the post, but they are just awesome!

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FREE BELL SLEEVE T-SHIRT DRESS PATTERN

Step 1: Print and Assemble pattern, cut out pattern pieces.

Save pattern to your desktop, open in adobe reader. Printer settings should be set to print actual size auto portrait/landscape. Print pattern. Cut out each block around the outer gray edge and align the gray boxes, edge to edge (don’t overlap) matching up colored circles. Tape pattern together and cut out size needed. (You can print the bodice twice- one for the front and one for the back or print once and use a tracing wheel and paper.)

Step 2: Cut pattern pieces from fabric.

Fold fabric so the stretch is running side to side. Follow cutting instructions on pattern pieces for bodice, sleeve, and neck binding, lining up pattern pieces on fold when directed.

Skirt Pattern piece cutting chart:

Note: If you do not have enough fabric width to cut larger size on fold. Add .375 to the width #, cut 2 pieces and sew together. (measurements in inches)

You will have:

Step 3: Assemble sleeves.

If you plan to hem the sleeve of your top. Do that first. (Fold the edge of the sleeve over 1/2 inch and sew with a zig zag or other stretch stitch. TIP: Use spray starch on the hem to help stabilize the knit fabric for easier sewing. Repeat on other sleeve.)

Sew a gathering stitch at the top of the bell sleeve ruffle. (do both pieces.)

Gather ruffle until it is the same width as the bottom edge of the sleeve.

Right sides together, line up the raw edges, pin and sew right above the gathering stitch.

Flip sleeve over, press the seam allowance up and topstitch if desired. Repeat for other sleeve.

Step 4: Assemble bodice.

Right sides together, line up front and back bodice. Sew ONE SHOULDER ONLY, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Step 5: Attaching sleeve.

Right sides together, line up top of sleeve with shoulder seam. Sew using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. (Only attach one sleeve for now.)

Step 6: Side seams and hem.

Sew along sleeve and down the side of the bodice. (one side only)

Step 7: Gathering and attachingskirt.

Press and hem bottom of the skirt. (1/2 inch hem allowance included.)

Sew a gathering stitch along the top of the skirt piece and pull on bobbin thread until skirt is same width as bodice.

Right sides together, line up the raw edges of the skirt and the bodice. pin and sew along the gathered edge.

Refold binding and divide into 4 equal sections. Mark t-shirt neckline and binding into four equal sections. (Please note since the front neckline is deeper than the back, the shoulder seams will not be the mark of the when the neckline is divided into four equal sections.)

Line up the quarter marks as shown:

Attach the binding to the neckline with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Stretch the binding fabric as you sew. Take care to not let the neckline fabric stretch. (Go slow and know this my take practice.)

For a more finished look, you can topstitch along the edge of the neckline.

That’s it, you are done!

Don’t forget! If you make anything with one of my patterns, be sure to come back and share a photo of your finished project on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram @scatteredmom, with #scatteredmompatterns!

Comments

Wow, this is terrific! I’m so thankful for what you do! It is so hard to find modest cute clothes that are age appropriate for my girls. I love many of your patterns that you’ve created and provided. What a blessing! Can’t wait to try this one out!

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